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Comments
Which is interesting. This back-fired for Isuzu. The Axiom wasn't deemed car-like enough for buyers.
They insist it will be a crossover, not another SUV, and will compete with the Mercedes Vision. And Chrysler Pacifica, though they didn't mention it.
-juice
I liked the rear center fillers that my old GMs had either pump worked on them. But a filler on both sides would be nice.
-mike
My Forester has it on the passenger's side. Did they flip-flop it from '98 to '00?
Bob: Yes I recognize the safety problems of the rear center gas filler. Neither the 'Stang nor the Stude have head rests on their seats - can you say 'whiplash'? I knew you could. ;-) A filler behind the rear window and ahead of the trunk opening on a sedan might be okay though.
Ed
agree with juice on the double annoyance.
Also, you'll have people filling their tanks with both fillers opened (Poodle in microwave theory).... and probably over fill their tank and not know until gas spurts out the other end.
-Dave
Bob: Ford didn't raise Expedition prices at all, isn't that funny? Shows how soft the big SUV market is, and how strong the luxury SUV market is (with huge increases for the Nav).
I was browsing Fitzmall.com, and found some interesting downward trends in pricing.
H6 Outback sedans have reached as low as $25,249. I had predicted $25k would come soon. There is a regional incentive of $500, and I predict $750 will come back, since that was offered last year. $25k is more like it. $33k really was ridiculous.
At $25k, I think I can get the wife to try one. Still, if the rebate hits $750, and they offer a manual for $770 less, that would be $24,229. That would be pretty easy to talk her into. C'mon Subaru.
Highlanders have dropped in price, too. They now have 4x4 V6 models under $28k, they used to be well into the 30s. Even with a moonroof it's under $29k, but that's without leather, which she wants. So it's still a stretch.
Avalanche for $23k? Oh, 4x2. Still, not bad. They have Grand Cherokees for $23,937, and that used to be a $28 grand vehicle. Most Troopers run $25 grand, but I predict that will dip further by fall.
So, profit margins on trucks is way down. I recall Jeep said it made $8,000 profit on each Grand Cherokee, but with these prices it's about half that much probably.
-juice
-mike
I haven't visited the Fits site in some time. That is good news, however—especially about the Highlander.
Bob
Sounds like a direct competitor to the new Volvo XC90.
Bob
Even the Focus offers stability control. It's a mainstream technology now. Subaru has to work on something else to make the VDC stand out.
-juice
-mike
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036361
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036365
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036353
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036357
Bob
Select latest Auto Show images, then New York.
Bob
http://www.wieck.com/public/index.html
Bob
Ed
-mike
Bob
Paul
generally, most vehicles have but one outlet in the bumper for the exhaust. it's no coincidence that the gas cap is always on the opposite side of the exhaust.
some cars do have dual exhausts with one on each side of the bumper though and I haven't seen many fires from those.
-Colin
-mike
Ed
Bob
<< generally, most vehicles have but one outlet in the bumper for the exhaust. it's no coincidence that the gas cap is always on the opposite side of the exhaust. >>
-mike
Bob
http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/events/*ws4d-db-query-Show.ws4d?*ws4d-db-query-Show***002283***-wieck_media***-***events(directory)***.ws4d?events/results(r)_text.html
http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/events/*ws4d-db-query-Show.ws4d?*ws4d-db-query-Show***002281***-wieck_media***-***events(directory)***.ws4d?events/results(r)_text.html
This thing will be hot among younger buyers. Whereas the CRV may appear to be a "stuffy, old folks car" to them, this won't. I predict it will be a HUGE hit for Honda.
Bob
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036299
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036293
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036291
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_036283
-mike
Suicide doors are common on pickups. I'm telling ya, it's going to be a huge hit!
Bob
-mike
Ross
I bet more surfers (and younger buyers) opt for the Element, and more older "Harry & Harriet homeowners" opt for the Baja.
Bob
Bob
Bob
Bob
The functionality is truly refreshing. For once, a crossover actually does something your basic station wagon does not - easy and flexible cargo hauling.
I give Honda a big thumbs up. Isn't it refreshing to actually see some DESIGN coming out of Honda? They have a patent on "boring". The Element will be a hit with the young crowd.
The Pilot is the polar opposite - very safe and generic looking. That's OK, I think it's understated and will appeal to people who need a minivan but want an SUV. Like my wife. That's the idea. I like it.
Look how wide the middle seat is - truly comfy 3 across seating. The 3rd row even split folds, which the Odyssey doesn't do. The room behind the 3rd row matches the immense Navigator, even. Honda is excellent at space utilization. Thumbs up.
$26-32 grand? On the Ody, the EX costs $2500 more, leather yet another $1500. So that's $30 grand even for an EX/leather, like the wife wants. It's a bit of a stretch, but it does come closest to meeting all of our criteria. We'll definitely check one out.
-juice
Ion sedan looks weird. I see a Neon rear end grafted onto a CTS profile. Curves and creased boxy edges too mixed up. The two-tone makes it look a bit obscure, at least the sedan.
The coupe I like much better. The overall look is more finished, consitent. Suicide doors on both sides now. Thing is you can't open the rear without opening the fronts first, so I think they're safe.
Oh, that center dash on the Ion! It's AWFUL! Didn't they learn a lesson from the Toyota Echo? Customers rejected that like pepper spray! What were they thinking? To repeat a huge mistake like that is unimaginable!
PT turbo gets 215hp, not bad. The Neon turbo got 205hp, so I'm a bit surprised. They need something to keep customers coming - $1000 rebates are already in place.
Fiesta looks much improved. The last one was UGLY, with a guppy-like face. It got crushed in the market in Brazil, buyers flocked to Fiat. I doubt they'll sell it here, but it ought to help Ford recover in Brazil.
-juice
Bob
I'm over 40, but would look seriously at one if we needed a FWD runabout/hauler and the gas mileage, curb weight & purchase price were right. You can sell an young person's car to an old(er) person, but not the other vice versa.
One more attraction to check out in NYC.
John
Ross
http://www.stude.com/wagon/ex29.jpg
Come on gang, you think I'd let that slip by without a reference? ;-)
Ed
Bob
(This posting is brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department.)
Bob
;~)
Ross the O.F.
-mike